I was commissioned by one gentleman to make this custom engagement ring box. His girlfriend and now fiancée is a big fan of movie “Up” and all Disney Pixar related. He saw my previous Up house model in scale 1:160 and wanted to use it as an unique engagement ring box. I thought he has a great idea so I crafted it for him. I used the design of my first miniature as a base and modified it a bit so it is hollow and opens at the bottom revealing secret compartment lined with felt and custom ring holder made of foam and covered with matching fabric. The space inside is 50mm long by 20mm width and 40mm height so any diamond engagement ring should fit inside. The model itself is very small, it measures 6cm long, 6cm width and 7cm height to top of the chimney. Even at this size it is packed with details. It even shows under floor joists as seen at original house from the Up movie. Not a single detail was omitted from my first model so after the proposal it can serve as cake topper or be displayed as custom movie collectible. The base with white picket fence can be easily constructed using paper and scissors, I can help you with instructions or create it for you if you wish.
Originally on my first Up House I made everything with cardboard and paper, all lasercut based on patterns I designed and tested. All individual pieces were assembled together with paper siding on elevation trimmed and glued on walls one by one. It was very time consuming process, but resulted in quite accurate miniature. I should just engrave the lines but I could not resist creating more realistic texture.
The paint brings it all to live. Here again I would not go the easy route and just paint it with flat colors. I go extra mile and treat every surface with darker color wash and lighter shades for highlights. This adds subtle variations in colors creating impression of aging wood and dirt gathered on real house. I try to keep balance with weathering, don’t want it too old and dirty because this models purpose is to hold and add to beauty of expensive engagement ring inside and mark this important day for years to come.
This Up house engagement ring box was shipped traditionally without use of balloons to USA safely and they are already engaged. I wish you Gennady and Maggie all the best, long and happy life together. Your request also started my own adventure. Lots of people sent me their creative ring box ideas and I will craft many of them. I didn’t know back then that I will be known for creating personalized ring boxes for people around the World while improving my own skills and craft. I still enjoy building my collection of finished models and memories attached to each of them, so if you are looking for something similar or totally new, something you can’t find in the shops, write me a message through contact form in About section and we can create it together.
